My name is Takisha and I was born on the beautiful island of St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. I met my husband, Orman, through a mutual friend.

I had just purchased a new home in Maryland, and he came to assist me with some electrical work. Throughout the weeks of helping me, we became good friends and discussed everything, including relationships, music, and things going on in the Virgin Islands, where he was also born and raised.

Weeks later he asked if I was dating anyone, and I told him it was none of his business. He then persisted and proceeded to ask me if I would like to go and get something to eat, so we started going to the movies and dinners.

I loved that Orman made me laugh, and we could talk about anything. He never agreed with anything I liked, but I loved that challenge. He loved that I was a very independent woman, outgoing, and full of energy.

Once we got engaged it was no hesitation to where we were getting married. St. Croix was our home and there was no other place we would rather be. It is so beautiful, cultural, and peaceful and I wanted my wedding guests to get that feeling when they came to our wedding. I came home the summer before to plan everything in advance. The process was very easy in terms of where I wanted it to be and what I wanted. The people at the various venues that I used were professional, talented, and well versed in their area of business.

Orman and I got married on January 1, 2010, at Friedensthal Moravian church in Christiansted Town, and our reception was at pool side of Divi Carina Bay. The weather was beautiful and the energy was so tranquil. My wedding was such a wonderful day.

My event planner, Troy, was the best. He designed everything and understood my vision of water and tranquility. I even had fish in a bowl as part of my centerpieces. My flowers were from Wild Orchids, in which I gave Beatrice an idea and she created it to fruition. I loved the beauty and colors that she created.

My amazing cake was made by Manuel Lugo, who gave me lots of shells on my cake, representing the love I have for my St. Croix beaches. My photographer, Dr. Denise Bennerson, from Homeland Collections was fabulous. She was very professional, patient, and creative. She gave me everything I envisioned for my wedding pictures.

We decided to have our wedding during St. Croix’s carnival week because there is so much historical culture for our guests to enjoy during that time of the year. My guests truly enjoyed the entire ambience of the music, food, parades, and all things from the festival. Some still tell us it was one of the best wedding destinations they ever attended.

Orman and I still live in Maryland with our two children, Kyrell and Kianni. We go home to St. Croix every year to visit our family, friends, and to enjoy the wonderful beaches. It will always be our home, full of wonderful memories, especially from my St. Croix wedding.